Orthodontic FAQs
FAQs
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on Top McKinney Orthodontics straightening teeth and directing jaw and bone growth. At Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics, we thoughtfully focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of issues with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Braces (metal or clear) or Invisalign/ Clear Aligners for adults and children are commonly used in treatment.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws and misaligned bite patterns. Orthodontists also may address the modification of facial growth and treat it accordingly. An orthodontist completes three additional years of training beyond their four-year dental school training to become an orthodontist. Our orthodontists at Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics, Dr. Stephanie Crise and Dr. Jessica Downs, have over 45 years of combined orthodontic experience treating patients.
What’s the Best Age to Visit the Orthodontist?
The best age to visit the orthodontist is between eight and nine years for boys and between seven and eight years for girls. However, girls are usually more dentally advanced than boys during this age. So, if your dentist recommends your child sees an orthodontist sooner, then please come visit us at Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics.
What Are Braces?
Braces are composed of metal brackets and can be made from various Top McKinney Orthodontics metals, such as titanium, stainless steel, gold, and chrome. The main advantages of metal braces are durability and hypo-allergenicity. Brackets are placed on all of the teeth. Each bracket has a little “door” that opens and closes around the main archwire and is placed on each tooth. The orthodontist tightens the main archwire and uses rubber bands as well to move teeth according to the treatment plan. At Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics, we offer clear braces for those patients who don’t want to look like they have braces on. However, the clear braces do have a couple of drawbacks in that sometimes they aren’t as sturdy as the metal braces and can come loose more easily than the metal braces. Plus, clear brackets can also stain if the patient drinks a lot of dark-colored drinks, such as sodas, coffee, or tea. So, good oral hygiene is a definite must if a patient wants clear braces.
If I Get Braces, How Long Do I Have to Wear Them?
Each patient has their own treatment plan, including the length of time they will be in braces. The usual time for wearing braces is between 18-24 months; however, the patient’s help is critical in determining if they get their braces off during this time frame. Often, rubber bands are worn as part of their treatment, and it is crucial that the patient wears them as instructed, or their treatment time can be longer.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces can take a little bit of time to get used to, but they usually do not hurt. When the patient gets their braces on, their teeth may be a bit sore for approximately a week as their teeth and gums get used to something new on them. However, the patient can take pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, to help alleviate this pain. Patients generally come about every 8-10 weeks for an orthodontic adjustment to their braces so that Top McKinney Orthodontics soreness may last for only a couple of days after each adjustment, and then all should be well.
Do I Need to Brush My Teeth More Often if I Have Braces?
You definitely need to brush your teeth every morning and every evening when in braces, and a water flosser/water pik is highly recommended to get in between your teeth. It does take a little longer to clean your teeth correctly when you have braces on because it is imperative that patients have great hygiene while wearing braces. This is to avoid developing stains around the braces.
If I Have Braces, Do I Still Need Dental Checkups Every Six Months?
Yes, you definitely need to continue your six month cleaning and checkups with your general dentist while wearing braces. The dentist will be able to clean your teeth really well while you have your braces on with their special dental cleaning tools. The orthodontist may ask you to visit your dentist more frequently (every three to four months) depending on how well the patient does with their oral hygiene. Ask your dentist if they can use a prophy jet at your next cleaning! This is a great way to clean teeth with braces!
Will My Braces Interfere With My School Activities Like Sports, Playing an Instrument, or Singing?
There are many students in braces that participate in sports, choir(vocal performance), band, etc. Patients will want to be sure and wear a mouthguard when playing sports so if they get hit in the mouth, the braces won’t tear up their lips or cheeks. For patients who play an instrument, your embouchure may change a bit, but you will adjust within only a couple of weeks. Band directors recommend that you do NOT get braces put on or taken off before a big concert or UIL Top McKinney Orthodontics competition. Please make sure and keep your orthodontist in the loop of any big competitions coming up while you are in braces. It is not recommended to make any major orthodontic adjustments right before any big competition for a band, orchestra, or choir performance.
How can I take care of my teeth while wearing braces?
There are several ways to take care of your teeth while in braces. One, it’s essential to brush and floss every day. Second, it’s imperative to stay away from chewy, gooey, and sticky foods, so your braces won’t become loose or damaged. Third, don’t ever chew on ice while wearing braces, and stay away from biting directly into anything hard, such as apples or corn on the cob. You can still eat these items, but be sure and cut up apples into slices and cut corn off the cob. Fourth, it is imperative to use the fluoride rinse nightly that you are given at your first appointment when you get your braces put on. Fluoride will guard against cavities or decalcified white spots that can occur on your teeth while wearing braces. When in active clear Top McKinney Orthodontics aligners, it is important to stay away from sugary drinks while wearing your clear aligners and to not eat in your active clear aligners. It is also important to clean your clear aligners every day with toothpaste and water.
How do I schedule my next appointment?
Your first orthodontic appointments will be made after you come in for your initial consultation. Then, most adjustment appointments while in braces are about 8-10 weeks apart. The patient or their parent will make their next appointment at the end of every appointment before you leave our office. Dr. Crise and Dr. Downs will have carefully planned your entire orthodontic treatment, and they will follow your treatment plan as closely as possible. If you have an appointment but can’t make it, we ask that you please let us know as soon as possible, so we can get your appointment rescheduled timely. It is crucial to make all of your Top McKinney Orthodontics appointments, so your braces can be adjusted according to your treatment plan and you can finish your braces treatment on time. Great patient cooperation with the orthodontist will help you to have a successful orthodontic treatment result! We look forward to working with you and can’t wait to give you an absolutely beautiful Hollywood Smile!
Will my braces interfere with sports?
Before starting orthodontic treatment, you are probably wondering "will my braces interfere with sports”? The answer is NO! Almost all of our patients are involved in some sort of activity whether it be a sport, playing an instrument, singing, acting, etc....
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Click here to schedule your FREE Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics evaluation, or call (972) 529-9700 to speak with someone on our dynamic team!
AWARD-WINNING ORTHODONTISTS FOR BRACES AND
INVISALIGN® IN THE MCKINNEY, ALLEN, FAIRVIEW, PLANO, FRISCO,
CELINA, PROSPER, MELISSA, ANNA, & PRINCETON, TEXAS AREAS
“They work with you as the patient to help you achieve that “Hollywood” smile. As a kid I remember coming here and loving it, I mean the inside is decked out like Hollywood so it is very kid friendly. There is free popcorn, coffee, and video games kids can play while they wait. The staff is very nice as well as the doctors. From when I was a kid up until my frequent visits recently I have seen the same doctors and nothing has changed! They are SO nice! Warm and welcoming.”
~ River L.
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SMILES HOLLYWOOD HAS BEEN FEATURED ON…
SMILES HOLLYWOOD HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR…
MCKINNEY, ALLEN, FAIRVIEW, PLANO, FRISCO, CELINA, PROSPER, MELISSA, ANNA & PRINCETON, TEXAS AREAS